Written by Abbigail Crocker
Spring Sing is arguably one of Harding’s most iconic traditions, drawing countless visitors each year.
This annual musical production, performed by students, has been held over Easter weekend for decades. However, this year marks a significant shift, as, for the first time in 50 years, Spring Sing will be held on a different weekend. This change breaks a long-standing tradition and will undoubtedly be a notable moment in the event’s history.
“We have been trying to move Spring Sing off of Easter weekend for over 25 years,” professor and chair of the Department of Theatre, and Spring Sing director for 30 years, Steven Frye said. “The fact that Easter can fall anywhere from mid-March to late April depending on the year has made it difficult to plan consistent production schedules. It conflicts with what should be a holy week for Christians, and conflicts with other religious group activities.”
Frye said administration worked with the president to change Spring Sing’s date.
“When Dr. Williams became president of Harding, we started conversations with admissions, religious and academic leaders on campus, and found that there was overwhelming support for the change,” Frye said. “We decided to wait until after the Centennial events to make the change, marking a new tradition for a new century and a new tradition for the 51st Spring Sing to establish.”
Shifting Spring Sing up to a different weekend caused a shorter time for practicing and required the directors, Jazz band, stage crew, music production and all other parts of Spring Sing shorter time to get everything in order. While the adjustment to a shorter time frame may seem challenging, this change offers some long-term benefits. Theatre Department administrator and recruiter Emily Hutcheson said the move to a consistent weekend every year will allow for better planning and preparation moving forward.
“Last year, we were doing the biggest Spring Sing ever (50 years of Spring Sing and 100 years of Harding) in the shortest amount of time ever,” Hutcheson said. “It has made working with the clubs all year easier, as they are less stressed and more confident in their work due to the extra time.”
In addition to offering better long-term scheduling stability, the fixed timing could make it easier for students to balance Spring Sing with their academic and personal commitments. For example, the event no longer has to compete with other important campus events or the challenges that come with Easter weekend, such as travel or family obligations. Director for the Omega Phi, Pi Kappa Delta and Delta Gamma Rho show, Lauren McDuffie, said she hopes students will participate in Spring Sing, and is not sure whether the event falling on Easter weekend will help.
“I personally would say that the participation has been more and honestly, I don’t know that it has anything to do with not being on Easter weekend,” McDuffie said.
